Laughton sent back to Oshawa

TAMPA, Fla. - As anticipated, the Flyers decided to not spend an entry level contract year on prospect Scott Laughton, the Flyers’ top draft pick last June.

Laughton, who lined up at center on checking lines over the first five games of the season, had to be returned to juniors before he played a sixth game, or the NHL entry contract salary and eligibility would have kicked in.

He’ll be playing again for Oshawa in the OHL, which has 19 games left but likely will make the playoffs, so don’t expect to see Laughton back.

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As it turned out, however, Laughton played well enough over those five games to really cause some debate in the Flyers’ management ranks over the decision.

“He played very well,” Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said of Laughton. “At the end of the day, it was just something that we had talked about and thought it was in the best interest of the Flyers and also Scott. He needs to play in all situations. He’s going back to a good team and he will play a lot in all situations. He’s a good young prospect and the little bit of time he had with us was good. He got to know some of our guys, learn a little bit about being a pro; that’s all good stuff.

“I’m sure he’s a little disappointed. But he’s a good kid. He’ll be OK.”

Holmgren did not rule out a Laughton return, but did say Oshawa “could play a long time” in the playoffs, “so we’ll just see how it goes.”

There was a presumption shared by some that since the Flyers sent Eric Wellwood back to the Phantoms Saturday that Laughton was going to stick, but Holmgren indicated other personnel factors nullifed that reasoning.

“Harry (Zolnierczyk) has continued to play very well for the Phantoms. Tye McGinn has come up and played well,” Holmgren said. “(We) have Tom Sestito and Jody Shelley sitting out games. All different types of players but they all bring something different to the table. I think looking at Scott as an 18-year-old, we have 43 games left. They’re going to be all playoff games, (so) this is the best deal for him.”

There’s plenty of time before the April 3 trade deadline in this short season, but Holmgren is believed to be shopping on that trade market now.

“Obviously, the window is smaller than in a regular year to evaluate your team,” Holmgren said. “I think we’re all evaluating our teams right now and monitoring what becomes available.”

Asked if he had any interest in approaching Montreal about potentially available restricted free agent P.K. Subban, Holmgren said, “I’ve never had one conversation (with them).”

NOTES: Zac Rinaldo is almost through the mandatory injured list time period, meaning he could return Tuesday in New York. ... Michael Leighton was in net for the Flyers in a regular season game Sunday night for the first time since Dec. 30, 2010, at Los Angeles. He did start Game 6 of a playoff series against Buffalo April 24, 2011, but earned a no-decision. ... Flyers chairman Ed Snider will be among the honored guests tonight at the 109th annual Philadelphia Sports Writers Association’s banquet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cherry Hill. Snider is the recipient of the lifetime humanitarian award. Tickets are available at the door for the 5 p.m. event.